Linguistic chemistry: Balancing home and school languages.

If you follow us on social media, you probably know that this week, we spoke about language dominance.

Definition time:

Language dominance refers to the degree to which a bilingual individual uses and is proficient in one language over the other. In the context of bilingual children, language dominance refers to the language that a child is more comfortable speaking, listening, reading, and writing in. It is a very natural process, as we get exposed to different languages in different phases of our lives.

I want to reassure you…

It is not necessarily fixed and can change over time depending on a child's language experiences and opportunities for language use. Additionally, language dominance is not a measure of language proficiency or language value, as both languages are equally important and valuable for bilingual children's overall linguistic and cognitive development.

This can still be something many parents worry about.

As globalization continues to bring people from diverse cultural backgrounds closer together, there are more and more families, where parents may speak one language at home, while children may be expected to learn and communicate in another language at school.

In this context, especially if the parents are keen on “fluency” in the home language, balancing these two languages can be a challenge, but it is a valuable skill that can lead to better academic outcomes and stronger family ties.

Here are some tips for balancing school and home languages:

Set realistic goals

Learning a new language is a long-term process, and it is important to set realistic goals. Parents and children should work together to establish achievable goals, such as learning 10 new words a week or practicing conversation for 30 minutes a day. Celebrate progress and acknowledge the effort put in, even if the progress is small.

Make language learning fun

Language learning should not be a chore. Parents can make it more enjoyable by incorporating games, songs, and other fun activities that help children practice their language skills. This can also help to create positive associations with the language and make it more likely that children will continue to practice.

Practice regularly

Consistent practice is key to language learning. Parents can incorporate language learning into everyday routines, such as mealtime or before bed. Children can also practice by listening to music or watching TV shows in the language they are learning.

Create a language-rich environment

Surrounding children with the language they are learning can help them to absorb it more easily. This can include reading books in the language, watching movies, and listening to music. Parents can also encourage children to speak the language at home by setting aside specific times or by using it in conversation.

Seek out additional resources

There are many resources available to help parents and children learn a new language. This can include language classes, language exchange programs, online courses, and tutoring services. Parents can also reach out to other families in the community who may be in a similar situation to share resources and tips.

Celebrate cultural diversity

Learning a new language can also be an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity. Parents can teach children about their cultural traditions and encourage them to explore other cultures as well. This can help to foster a sense of pride and belonging in children and strengthen family bonds.

In conclusion,

balancing school and home languages is an important skill that can benefit both children and their families. It requires consistent practice, realistic goals, and a language-rich environment. By incorporating fun activities and celebrating cultural diversity, parents can make language learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience for their children.